A Wearing History Resto-Vival™ pattern based on an original historical pattern from circa 1939. This pattern works well for late the 1930's through the early 1940's looks, but is so classic it can seamlessly be integrated into your modern wardrobe.

-- DESCRIPTION --

Misses' Bodice, Shorts, Skirt, & Girdle (belt). The bodice blouse is about waist length, has a square neckline, release tucks at front, short sleeves, and closes at the front with buttons. The shorts are cut full, have release tucks at front, and are finished with interior belting at the high waist. The bias cut skirt can be made in a short or long length and is finished with interior belting at the high waist. The girdle belt is made in contrasting fabric and can be worn with the skirt or shorts.

It is worth noting that the shorts have a period authentic vintage cut, which has a longer rise (crotch length) than modern shorts.

This pattern includes a blouse, shorts, skirt, and girdle (cummerbund belt). If you make the top and skirt in the same fabric it looks like a two piece dress. If you make the top and shorts in the same fabric it looks like a playsuit. If you use coordinating fabrics for the blouse, short skirt, and shorts in fabrics you've got a mix and match vacation or day to day wardrobe. If you add a long skirt to the vacation wardrobe it can carry you into evenings or be worn as a maxi skirt. Add the cummerbund girdle belt (a gathered fabric that closes with hooks and eyes) for that iconic late 1930s/early 1940s beach look.

-- DIFFICULTY--

Intermediate Difficulty. Must be familiar with basic construction and vintage methods.

--- SIZING ---

In WOMEN'S sizing. This vintage sizing standard was for a more mature figure. Misses, Petites, Plus Sizes, and Talls may require alteration to fit correctly.

GO BY MEASUREMENTS (IN INCHES), NOT SIZE NUMBER.

Sizing is based on period standards, which are VERY DIFFERENT than modern sizing.

SIZE

12

14

16

18

20

BUST

30

32

34

36

38

40

WAIST

26

27

28

30

32

34

HIP

33

35

37

39

41

43

This pattern was originally available in sizes 30"-38" Bust. No layout charts or yardage estimates are included for any additional sizes given. Test your placement when making a mock up to see how much fabric you will need of your final fabric.

-- YARDAGE REQUIREMENTS --

About Wearing History Resto-Vival™ Patterns

Resto-Vival™ Patterns are original historic patterns that have been restored and revived. Original patterns are usually available only in single sizes, precut from tissue paper and totally unprinted, with details like grainlines and darts indicated only by small perforations. Resto-Vival™ patterns are printed on sturdy bond paper instead of tissue and clearly marked with drawn and labeled markings. These markings aid the modern sewer in understanding the markings of the original pattern and the construction of the garment. Resto-Vival™ patterns follow the period shapes of the original patterns, maintaining the historical accuracy of the completed garment. Original period instructions are included. These instructions are text only (unless otherwise noted) and fairly minimal, especially compared to instructions for modern patterns. At least an intermediate knowledge of dressmaking and a good familiarity with pattern construction is suggested. You may choose to have a modern or period sewing book handy to help with basic construction methods that the pattern instructions do not cover in detail. Also, fitting a muslin mockup is strongly recommended, as all garments were meant to be worn over period foundation garments or corsetry.

- HOW TO USE THIS E-PATTERN -

This pattern requires a LOT of paper to print. Read more below.

YOU WILL NEED ADOBE READER, A FREE PDF READER PROGRAM, IN ORDER TO OPEN AND PRINT THIS PATTERN.

Wearing History E-patterns are formatted for USA Letter Size and A4 sized paper. You will need to print this pattern to 100% scale. Open the "READ-ME-FIRST" File for instructions on printing and piecing your pattern.

This pattern is tiled into letter sized paper. You will print these documents on your home printer, cut, and tape them together, to form a larger pattern layout. Then you cut and use your pattern just as you would a normal home sewing pattern.

This pattern comes in 4 files, in a compressed folder

You will need to uncompress (or unzip) your folder prior to use.

49 sheets for the skirt pattern

20 sheets for the blouse pattern

25 sheets for the shorts and girdle pattern

9 sheets of paper for the sewing instructions

1 for the e-pattern "how to" sheet.

104 total sheets of 8.5" x 11" sized paper or A4 sized paper are needed to make all garments in this pattern. This pattern file is formatted to fit on both sizes of paper, and there will be varying thicknesses of white border, which will be cut off, according to pattern instructions.

- How to Download -

You will be able to download this pattern after your order is marked as "Completed".

If ordering with mailed product, purchased with an unconfirmed Paypal address, or purchased with a credit card, there may be a slight delay, as I will need to manually approve the transaction before the system marks it as "completed".

By purchasing this pattern you agree to the following terms: This e-pattern is licensed exclusively to the person who purchases this pattern from Wearing History for the sole purpose of home sewing or non-profit use. Commercial or production use is prohibited. Do not share this pattern by email or any other form. Remember, I make my living by using my talents to make these patterns. Help support indie small business by telling your friends to purchase their own copy of this pattern from http://wearinghistory.clothing

Good and easy instructions (shorts)

Posted by Christine on Jun 15th 2018

I made the skirt out of a thin cotton fabric and am very pleased with the results. The instructions were easy to follow (even for an inexperienced seamstress such as myself) and the pattern was easy to put together. I went for the largest size, since my measurements were in between sizes, but it turned out a little too big in the waist (I guess I didn’t use all the seam allowance). I fixed that by making the darts a little bigger. Overall, it was easy to put together and the result is a nice pair of shorts that didn’t take long to make.